Garinei Udi

Garinei Udi is a youth leadership program that builds groups of committed and motivated teens who will lead the way to a better, more just and more tolerant society.  The program has been operating for over two decades connecting religious, secular and masorati teens, grades 10-12, boys and girls, from the periphery and the center, through joint community engagement, study and helping those who are in need. The program is rooted in the legacy of Lieutenant Udi Elgrabaly z”l, who embodied in his actions and spirit the desire to unify the nation and the love of Israel.  Udi was killed in action in Lebanon while protecting his troops. He was only 22, but his legacy lives in Garinei Udi that invites youth, both secular and religious, to lead together towards a better Israel. Garinei Udi tracks: Garinei Udi in the informal education system - a 3-year leadership development program. As part of the program, the teens get to know each other and the different faces of Israeli society; they meet with diverse populations and get hands-on experience in leading community projects. Activity in formal education (9th graders) - after years of operating in the informal education system, in 2023 we launched a project in the school system. 9th graders, boys and girls, meet and engage in dialogue about Israeli society, stigmas, voices etc. Together they engage in joint volunteering activities with their religious, masorati and secular peers. Community engagement (10-12th grades) – participants join Garinei Udi. They study about the complexity of Israeli society, and take part in leading actions for the benefit of the weakest members of the community. This is in the framework of the mandatory “community engagement" curricula. Annual Events: Osim Seder – ahead of Passover, participants engage in a renovation and assistance project   for needy elderly people. The project, managed in cooperation with the municipal welfare departments, brings together hundreds of volunteers and teens from all walks of Israeli society, The participants work in mixed groups of religious, secular and masorati teens, boys and girls. Each senior receives a food basket for the holiday. Often, relationships formed between the teens and the seniors continue long after the renovation is over. The Unity Journey – The nationwide highlight events brings together thousands of teens from the secular, masorati and religious youth movements and Garinei Udi participants. The journey concludes in an exciting and well-attended ceremony led by members of the Garinei Udi. To date, more than 10,000 teens have taken part in the journeys. Udi’s Camps - children of underprivileged families who cannot afford a summer camp or a vacation, are invited to enjoy a quality, free-of-charge summer camp operated by Garinei Udi members. The hundreds of children spend time in a fun, creative, constructive and valuable way and have exciting experiences. In the words of the participants themselves:  “I was referred to Udi’s camp by the welfare department. I attended the camps for a number of years and was always treated with love and joy. I knew that when I grow up I will join Garinei Udi and be there for those who need help and I will do good for my neighbors. Garinei Udi has a major impact on who I am today and for that I will always be grateful.” (Oshrit, Garinei Udi’ Jerusalem 2008-2012)    "Garinei Udi was my place to bloom. For the first time in my life, I was encouraged to organize a community project. I am so happy that the ‘Osim Seder’ project we launched in Ramot has become a tradition for the neighborhood’s Garin. Garinei Udi shaped my life and impacted my viewpoints and perspective.” (Nadav, Garinei Udi’ Jerusalem graduate, 2013)  “Ahead of the ‘Osim Seder’ project we went out to map the homes of needy elderly people in the neighborhood. We were on our way to the home of an old lady when we received a call saying the woman had fallen. We were minutes away and rushed in to help her. It was heartwarming and clarified the importance of what we were doing.” (Yonatan, Garinei Udi’ Jerusalem 2023)